In a world saturated with fictional heroes, the story of Rifleman Aurangzeb stands as a stark and powerful reminder of real-life courage. This review delves into Punia’s compelling narrative, exploring the heart of Aurangzeb’s sacrifice and the complex realities he faced.

A small book with a powerful impact. Rifleman Aurangzeb—the boy who dreamt of wearing the uniform to protect the country from infiltrators and perpetrators—was a decorated soldier who protected his native Kashmir from militants.

Rifleman Aurangzeb was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra in 2023.

We’ve seen heroes on the silver screen, but heroes in real life evade us. They are busy protecting the country, remaining in the shadows, living in harsh conditions and returning to Earth wrapped in the national flag. But for books such as this one, their stories would remain buried too.

Tracing the life of this young brave soldier, author Damini Punia transports the reader to the small village Salani in Poonch district, Kashmir. Born to a farmer turned soldier, Mohammed Hanief, and Raj Begum, Aurangzeb had a dreamy childhood.

Growing up with seven siblings, enveloped in love and kindness, Aurangzeb demonstrated kindness from a young age. He tricked his father into buying two caged pigeons for INR 2,000 to release them on reaching home. Entranced by the soldier’s uniform, he decided early to join the armed forces.

Hanief was the first individual in his village to join the Army, and therefore much respected and admired. Against the backdrop of Kashmir’s militancy movement, his career choice awakened patriotism and it filtered down to the youth of the village and his children alike. Later, his sons too joined the armed forces.

Kashmir’s militancy has wreaked havoc in the green valley. Most succumbed to bullets, in one way or the other, by shooting others or getting others shot or harbouring armed men who crossed the LoC.

Punia’s narrative begins with a nightmare that Raj Begum had before the birth of Aurangzeb. It came to life 22 years later with the gruesome end of this brave young man. The author highlights the child, the young man, the sibling, that made up Aurangzeb’s persona. A bright, handsome boy who loved his village, brethren and left behind a young unrequited love, Ilham.

Aurangzeb joined 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. After the training, his excellent shooting skills led to his transfer to the coveted 44 Rashtriya Rifles. In his short 22 years, Aurangzeb was part of the operations that neutralized two famous militants—Tallah Rashid and Sameer Tiger. His abduction by militants, torturous end and sacrifice leave the reader with profound grief. The news of his death, on the occasion of Eid in June 2018, was perhaps the most devastating blow for his family and Ilham. As per the author’s narrative, the family doesn’t celebrate Eid even now.

Books are enlightening. And through this one, we gain knowledge of the regiments in the armed forces, the various intelligence agencies and their high risk work, the terrorist organisations operating in the Valley and close to the Pakistan border, psychology of militants, the twists and illusions created by hardened militants who thrive on their greed for power, and all the damage that unaddressed hurts can lead to. It touches upon the mental health of soldiers and their families, and the stress they live under. It gives us insight into the unity of our diverse country, where people from all faiths unite under the same flag to fight the same enemy.

While Punia masterfully weaves a compelling narrative, the lines between fact and creativity do blur at times, particularly in the sections exploring the psychology of militants. Since it’s impossible to know the inner thoughts of the deceased, these recreations feel somewhat speculative.

Overall, this 200-page book is a pensive read. It opens our eyes to the plight of Kashmir’s youth, the sacrifices made by our soldiers, and the urgent need for a solution. It compels us to ask: How can we create a better future for the region? And how can we better support the brave soldiers who protect us?

(The news of Rifleman Aurangzeb’s death sparked public outrage and an enquiry was conducted too.)

Book Details

Publisher: Penguin Veer (Penguin Random House India) 
Language: English
Paperback: ‎ 207 pages
Price: INR 399
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